Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a valuable instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the emerging hair shaft. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional substances, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. In reference to head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key procedures in laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory's system. This process verifies that the sample was correctly sealed and delivered, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any other data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises an initial rapid test for commonly abused drugs. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient method to eliminate most samples for drug use, any positive findings need confirmation to be legally valid. Samples that indicate presumptive positive results in Screening require a further confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a notably lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Positive screening outcomes undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples indicating presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the compliance to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine tests in Verona, NC, the superiority becomes evident. Hair testing offers a broader detection period, capturing a comprehensive history versus the limited timeframe of urine tests. The accuracy and reliability of hair analysis hold an edge, making it a preferred choice for thorough substance detection among discerning users.
In Verona, NC, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing provides invaluable insights into an individual's substance use history over up to 90 days. This comprehensive view is beneficial for employers looking to assess the long-term habits of potential or current employees, setting hair testing apart from shorter-range techniques.
The integrity of hair follicle testing in Verona, NC, is unmatched due to its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other methods, hair samples are nearly impossible to alter, ensuring reliable results. This robustness against tampering offers unquestionable assurance of accurate substance use histories.
With a wealth of testing centers across Verona, NC, and nationwide, accessing hair follicle testing services is a breeze. This network of locations ensures individuals and businesses benefit from swift, simple, and convenient testing, eliminating unnecessary hassle and facilitating easier drug testing processes.
The hair follicle testing process in Verona, NC, is straightforward and discreet. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, confidentiality is maintained throughout. User-friendly procedures ensure privacy concerns are addressed, offering peace of mind to those undergoing the testing process.
Attractive pricing and fast turnaround times characterize the hair follicle testing services in Verona, NC. This affordability makes drug testing accessible to businesses of all sizes, ensuring competitive value without compromising on quality or speed.
The precision of hair follicle drug testing in Verona, NC, is unparalleled. With its quick processing time, individuals and businesses receive timely, accurate insights into substance use history. This method ensures a high accuracy level, confirming its reliability for effective substance detection, a crucial aspect in both professional and personal contexts.
Employers in Verona, NC, find reassurance with hair follicle testing, which supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method mitigates legal risks and enhances safety, promoting a secure environment for all. Peace of mind is secured through reliable and comprehensive drug screening solutions.
